Surajpur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for developmental works worth ₹211.33 crore in Surajpur district as part of the state’s Rajat Mahotsav, commemorating 25 years of Chhattisgarh’s formation.
Marking the occasion, the Chief Minister also unveiled a life-sized statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the newly constructed Atal Parisar near the city’s bus stand and launched the Kisan Mela-cum-Organic Fair to promote sustainable agriculture.
Development Package Breakdown
A total of 92 development projects were either inaugurated or launched during the event:
- 37 completed projects worth ₹78.78 crore were inaugurated. These span across departments such as Public Works, Rural Development, Tribal Welfare, Urban Development, and PMGSY.
- 55 new projects worth ₹132.55 crore had their foundation stones laid. These include road construction, water infrastructure, tribal area works, police facility development, and more.
CM Sai termed the package a “significant step toward all-round development of Surajpur.”
Celebrating Chhattisgarh’s Journey
Speaking on the state’s silver jubilee year, CM Sai said, “This 25-year milestone is a celebration of Chhattisgarh’s progress, resilience, and people. We must now look ahead with fresh resolve to take the state to greater heights.”
He paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, calling him the visionary behind Chhattisgarh’s creation, and praised his contributions to both the nation and the youth of the state. “Atal ji will always remain a guiding light for India’s future,” he said.
Welfare Schemes Under ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’
Highlighting key welfare efforts under the BJP-led government, the Chief Minister listed recent initiatives benefiting farmers, women, laborers, and senior citizens:
- MSP of ₹3,100 per quintal for paddy procurement
- Monthly ₹1,000 assistance to 70 lakh women under Mahtari Vandan Yojana
- ₹10,000 aid to over 5.62 lakh landless agricultural laborers
- Free footwear for tendu leaf collectors
- Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana and pilgrimages to 19 sacred sites for senior citizens
- Establishment of Atal Digital Seva Kendras for public access to services
Firm Stance on Naxalism
CM Sai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminate Naxal violence from Chhattisgarh, stating:
“Under Home Minister Amit Shah’s leadership, we are determined to rid Bastar of Naxalism by March 2026.” He added that operations have intensified, with the neutralization of top Maoist leader Basavaraju and the establishment of numerous security camps in sensitive areas.
Voices of Support
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, addressing the event virtually, hailed Chhattisgarh’s transformation over the past 25 years and praised Vajpayee’s legacy for initiating rural connectivity through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
He emphasized the government’s focus on expanding basic infrastructure, improving connectivity, and ensuring urban-rural balance through sustained developmental efforts.
